Caitlin Clark Confronts Online Harassment as WNBA All-Star Starter

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was voted to start her third straight WNBA All‑Star Game, joining teammates Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. The selection marks the first time the Fever have three starters in franchise history.

Clark has repeatedly denounced the surge of online hate directed at her and other players. She told reporters that “the harassment, the hate, none of that is OK,” and urged fans not to target players. The league’s response includes AI‑driven monitoring tools, expanded security on travel, and confidential mental‑health resources for athletes.

The controversy intensified after Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was assessed a flagrant‑2 foul for striking Clark’s throat and received a one‑game suspension. Thomas later reported receiving death threats and racial slurs. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement condemning all forms of hate and affirming the league’s priority on player safety. Fever head coach Stephanie White also called the online vitriol “unacceptable” and urged respect for the game and its participants.